95 Best Shopping in Canada

Looking for that special handcrafted gift that can't be found anywhere else? A whimsical teapot straight out of a children's picture book, perhaps? A hand-painted ceramic bead necklace? A wood-sculpted anthropomorphized bird that reminds of you of your brother? A gold bracelet made of hundreds of miniscule seed-like beads? An adorable animal-shaped cushion? This Quebec artisans' guild boutique may have just what you're not for, but find delight in nonetheless. 

Among its many musical offerings, this independent record store has the best selection of local recordings—about 1,000 individual titles. This local gathering spot is staffed by musicians and poets with a deep knowledge of music. Tell them you want to hear something new; you'll love what they offer.

Steps from the boardwalk's southern terminus, this eco-conscious venue is bright, airy, and contemporary. It's open daily, giving you ample opportunity to stock up on edibles and quality crafts from its more than 250 vendors—or to just indulge in the city's best people-watching. Saturday is the best day; vendors don't all show up on other days unless a cruise ship has docked.

This block-long building, a Parks Canada Federal Heritage Site and recipient of a Nova Scotia Built Heritage Award, lures shoppers to the city's North End with all sorts of one-of-a-kind items. Flattened by the Halifax Explosion in 1917, the market site and surrounding area were rebuilt in a charming English-garden style using hydrostone—aka concrete. Shops of note include Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique for fine crafts, Lady Luck Boutique for jewelry and accessories, and L.K. Yarns for yarns and needlecraft accessories. After browsing, break for lunch at Julien's Patisserie Bakery & Café or enjoy a fabulous dinner at the Ostrich Club.

This large, eclectic space houses a fashionable clothing store, specialty gifts, and the signature Living Planet eco-friendly T-shirts, dresses, and baby onesies designed by local artists.

This shopping emporium is anchored on the first floor by Posie Row, a clothing and gift boutique with imported fashion items, beautiful stationery, jewelry, and more. The next three floors house a collection of local retailers selling everything from yarn and quilting fabric to house-made soaps and artist's prints.

Local artists and artisans have their studios here, making this a perfect place to pick up original art and craft works, including textiles, prints, pottery, stained glass, leatherwork, and jewelry.

This is the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in Canada, dating from 1876, and the building occupies a whole city block between Germain and Charlotte streets. Inside, it's a lively and bustling shoppers' dream-come-true, with a wide range of temptations—fresh and organic produce from local farms, live and fresh-cooked lobsters, artisan cheeses, dulse, international foods, craft beers, local wine, and tasty, inexpensive snacks. Local artists and artisans are also represented, making this a great stop for souvenirs and arts and crafts.

This gallery showcases contemporary Canadian art from both established artists and emerging talents. It features a cross-section of contemporary, landscape, wildlife, figurative paintings, and sculpture. You'll usually be able to find some affordable pieces.

The owners of this shop design, produce, and sell pewter jewelry and belt buckles, goblets, candlesticks, and other home decor pieces, made in the on-site workshop.

For authentic cowboy boots, there's Alberta's only Western boot manufacturer, Alberta Boot

A collective of local artists and artisans proffer their works in a stunning setting by the shore. Jewelry, hats, handbags, maple syrup, stationery, key chains, wood works, housewares, jams, and spice blends are just a few of the items that may be on display. Baby, wedding, and corporate gifts are among the selections.

Amid the endless sweater shops, this one stands out. The handmade sweaters and dresses have offbeat designs and fabulous colors. They're really comfortable, especially those made with silky-soft merino wool.

This local chocolatier sells old-fashioned chocolates, peanut brittle, and assorted candy—all made on the premises. (For a double dose of local flavor, try chocolate-coated PEI potato chips.) Sweet treats for those who can't get enough of the Island's sweetest fictional orphan are available at this location year-round. Other outlets, open seasonally, are at Cows Creamery, in Avonlea Village, at Gateway Village in Borden-Carleton, and on the Cavendish Boardwalk.

This antique shop has been in business since 1959 and specializes in restored North American furnishings and artifacts from the 1700s to the late 1900s. 

This funky small gallery focuses on emerging to mid-career Atlantic Canadian artists and always carries a selection of highly affordable pieces mixed in with more expensive ones. You'll also find a selection of ceramics, jewelry, and artsy greeting cards.

Sparkling wearable works of art are produced here, and you can often see the jewelers at work.

Inspired by the shapes wind, water, and sand carve out of wood scattered along the St. Lawrence shore, artists use ordinary driftwood to create one-of-a-kind pieces for the home. Modern, traditional, and abstract styles come into play on lamps, vases, candle-holders, fruit bowls, and decorative pieces.

A must-stop spot for foodies looking to try hot- and cold-smoked fish and other seafood. The award-winning selection here includes salmon, mackerel, cod, trout, and tuna, some of it seasoned. Don’t miss trout rillettes, potted smoked salmon, and potted smoked lobster—all delicious on baguette slices. The “saumoscuitto” is a thinly sliced, firm textured version of smoked salmon, prepared in a similar way to prosciutto.

Bank Street spans several neighborhoods and has everything from stores offering bargain-basement prices to unique shops, boutiques, and antiques stores farther south in the Glebe and Ottawa South neighborhoods.

An attractive small complex of shops, condos, and a marina, Bishop's Landing contains worth-a-peek jewelry, fashion, handmade candies and rum cakes, Halifax's best wine store, and other boutiques.

Chocolatiers here make truffles, cream-filled chocolates, spirits-spiked bonbons, chocolate-dipped ice cream in chocolate-dipped cones and dark, white, and milk chocolate. Fancy cookies and custom cakes are sold, too.

Crafts and paintings by more than 50 artists—mostly residents of New Brunswick—are sold here.

This camp store sells basic groceries, camping supplies, fishing tackle, fishing licenses, climbing gear, snacks, souvenirs, and convenience items. There's a small cafe and an ice cream shop. You can rent canoes, kayaks, bicycles, and roller blades to use in the park.

This shop sells Canadian Rockies photo art including stunning scenery and wildlife photography by gallery owner Bob Cook. You'll also find novelty gifts like puzzles, coasters, and magnets.